Space Mirror: The FCC Just Approved a Sun-Reflecting Satellite, and Astronomers Are Unimpressed
The test mission will evaluate whether an 18-meter reflector can light neighborhoods and help solar panels generate electricity after dark.
- On July 9, the Federal Communications Commission authorized Reflect Orbital to deploy Eärendil-1, a prototype satellite designed to test reflecting sunlight onto Earth after dark.
- The California-based startup aims to provide "sunlight on demand," testing a 142-kilogram spacecraft equipped with an 18-meter thin-film mirror capable of illuminating a 3-mile radius for brief periods.
- Operating at an altitude of about 625 kilometers, the spacecraft could assist search-and-rescue crews, light disaster zones, or help solar farms generate electricity after sunset, according to the company.
- However, astronomers from the American Astronomical Society and DarkSky voiced significant objections, warning that the mirror could overwhelm sensitive equipment and disrupt research on the night sky.
- Any future constellation would require separate regulatory approval, as the Federal Communications Commission stated astronomical impacts fall outside its jurisdiction, despite Reflect Orbital's goal of 50,000 satellites by 2035.
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Reflect Orbital plans to deploy up to 50,000 satellites like this to illuminate dark areas reflecting sunlight from space. Learn more: SpaceX announces the 13th Starship test flight: Elon Musk's giant rocket will take off on Thursday, July 16th.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the United States approved the launch of a mirror satellite that will reflect sunlight to Earth even at night. However, the device could damage astronomy and cause other complications. The project corresponds to the technological startup Reflect Orbital, based in Santa Monica, ... Continue reading "USA approves a mirror satellite that will reflect light to Earth, but it can damage astronomy" The pos…
The US Approves the Launch of a Mirror Satellite That Can Reflect Sunlight and Illuminate the Earth at Night
The FCC authorized Reflect Orbital to launch the mirror satellite Eärendil-1. “For optical astronomy, this poses an existential threat,” the European Southern Observatory said.
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